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Michael Sam Could Have Option In CFL’s Montreal Alouettes

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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Michael Sam could have the option of playing for our neighbors to the north if he doesn’t find a landing spot in the National Football League.

Montreal Alouettes general manager Jim Popp said Sam “is on our list of negotiations” after the NFL’s first openly gay player to be drafted was cut by the St. Louis Rams over the weekend.

“However, we are early in the process,” Popp said, according to the Calgary Sun. “I have not talked to Michael, or his agent. … But you never know.”

The seventh-round pick has cleared waivers and is now free to sign with any team. The Rams released Sam on Saturday and filled their 10 practice squad slots Monday, leaving off the SEC’s co-defensive player of the year.

Sam had three sacks during the preseason, but hasn’t found any takers in the NFL — yet.

Popp, whose team has reportedly reached out to the 24-year-old defensive end, said Sam could find success in the CFL if he chooses to go that route.

“It is exceptional to apply pressure on the opponent’s quarterback … and he had at least one sack in every game of the NFL preseason,” Popp said. “And again, he moves quickly for a guy like him. I think his style would suit the Canadian Football League.”

By the way, the @MTLAlouettes of the #CFL own the rights to DE Michael Sam. They have reached out to him, no word yet though.